Method and apparatus for recording advertised media content

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining social network information associated with a first user, wherein the social network information includes information identifying a second user who is related to the first user. A determination is made that the first user had selected, during a presentation of a first media content item by a first media processing device of the first user, recording of a second media content item that had been advertised during the presentation of the first media content item. Responsive to the determining that the first user had selected the recording of the second media content item, a second media processing device of the second user is directed to record the second media content item. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/461,680, filed Mar. 17, 2017, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for recordingadvertised media content.

BACKGROUND

Various systems for advertising media content and for recording mediacontent have been provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1A depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system for recordingadvertised media content;

FIG. 1B depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system for recordingadvertised media content;

FIG. 2A depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used in portionsof the systems described in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 2B depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used in portionsof the systems described in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 2C depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used in portionsof the systems described in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 3A depicts an example of a presentation timeline;

FIG. 3B depicts an illustrative embodiment of a graphical userinterface;

FIG. 3C depicts an illustrative embodiment of a graphical userinterface;

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of communication systems thatprovide media services including recording advertised media content asdescribed in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2C;

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device; and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for recording advertised media content. Other embodimentsare described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include mechanisms forallowing a user to set a recording for a program that is beingadvertised in a commercial. The program being advertised may be, e.g., amovie, a television show, a single episode of a television series,multiple episodes of a television series.

FIG. 1A depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system 100 for recordingmedia content (e.g., advertised media content). As seen in this FIG., aservice provider server 102 is in bi-directional communication via anetwork (e.g., the Internet) with Subscriber A set-top box #1 104A,Subscriber A set-top box #2 104B, Subscriber B set-top box 104C,Subscriber A mobile device 106 and social network server 108 (which may,for example, operate as (and/or form part of) a social media network).In one example, Subscriber A mobile device 104 may comprise asmartphone, a smart watch, a tablet, a laptop computer, or anycombination thereof. In another example, Subscriber A set-top box #1104A may be at a primary residence of Subscriber A and Subscriber Aset-top box #2 104B may be at a secondary residence (e.g., vacationhome) of Subscriber A. In another example, Subscriber A set-top box #1104A may be in one room of a residence of Subscriber A (e.g.. a livingroom) and Subscriber A set-top box #2 104B may be in a different room ofthe residence of Subscriber A (e.g., a bedroom). In another example,Subscriber B set-top box 104C may be at a residence of Subscriber B. Inanother example, the service provider server 102 may be operated by aservice provider that provides (and/or facilitates provision of) mediacontent to each of Subscriber A and Subscriber B. In one example,Subscriber A is a given person and Subscriber B is a different personwho is a friend or family of (or otherwise related to) Subscriber A. Inanother example, each of Subscriber A and Subscriber B may subscribe toservices of the same service provider.

Subscriber A (not shown) may use a set-top box (e.g., Subscriber Aset-top box #1 104A or Subscriber A set-top box #2 104B) to performvarious registration functions. Such registration functions may becarried out, for example, via a graphical user interface presented bythe set-top box on a display (such as a television).

In one example, Subscriber A may use the set-top box to registerSubscriber A mobile device 106 with service provider server 102. Suchregistration may comprise, for example, storage of identificationinformation associated with Subscriber A mobile device 106 (e.g.,telephone number, account number, serial number). The identificationinformation may be stored in one or more databases (not shown)accessible by service provider server 102. The identificationinformation may be stored in one or more user profiles (not shown)accessible by service provider server 102. The identificationinformation may cause service provider server 102 to associateSubscriber A mobile device 106 with Subscriber A set-top box #1 104A,Subscriber A set-top box #2 104B and/or Subscriber B set-top box 104C.

In another example, Subscriber A may use the set-top box to registereach of Subscriber A set-top box #1 104A and Subscriber A set-top box #2104B with service provider server 102. Such registration may comprise,for example, storage of identification information associated withSubscriber A set-top box #1 104A (e.g., Subscriber A's name, SubscriberA's account number with the service provider, a serial number ofSubscriber A set-top box #1 104A) and identification informationassociated with Subscriber A set-top box #2 104B (e.g., Subscriber A'sname, Subscriber A's account number with the service provider, a serialnumber of Subscriber A set-top box #2 104B). The identificationinformation may be stored in one or more databases (not shown)accessible by service provider server 102. The identificationinformation may be stored in one or more user profiles (not shown)accessible by service provider server 102. The identificationinformation may cause service provider server 102 to associateSubscriber A set-top box #1 104A with Subscriber A mobile device 106,Subscriber A set-top box #2 104B and/or Subscriber B set-top box 104C.The identification information may cause service provider server 102 toassociate Subscriber A set-top box #2 104B with Subscriber A mobiledevice 106, Subscriber A set-top box #1 104A and/or Subscriber B set-topbox 104C.

In another example, Subscriber A may register Subscriber B set-top box104C with service provider server 102. Such registration may comprise,for example, storage of identification information associated withSubscriber B set-top box 104C (e.g., Subscriber B's name, Subscriber B'saccount number with the service provider, a serial number of SubscriberB set-top box 104C). The identification information may be stored in oneor more databases (not shown) accessible by service provider server 102.The identification information may be stored in one or more userprofiles (not shown) accessible by service provider server 102. Theidentification information may cause service provider server 102 toassociate Subscriber B set-top box 104C with Subscriber A mobile device106, Subscriber A set-top box #1 104A and/or Subscriber A set-top box #2104B.

Subscriber B (not shown) may use a set-top box (e.g., Subscriber Bset-top box 104C) to perform various registration functions. Suchregistration functions may be carried out, for example, via a graphicaluser interface presented by the set-top box on a display (such as atelevision).

In one example, Subscriber B may use subscriber B set-top box 104C toregister (e.g., via a graphical user interface) Subscriber B set-top box104C with service provider server 102. Such registration may comprise,for example, storage of identification information associated withSubscriber B set-top box 104C (e.g., Subscriber B's name, Subscriber B'saccount number with the service provider, a serial number of SubscriberB set-top box 104C). The identification information may be stored in oneor more databases (not shown) accessible by service provider server 102.The identification information may be stored in one or more userprofiles (not shown) accessible by service provider server 102. Theidentification information may cause service provider server 102 toassociate Subscriber B set-top box 104C with Subscriber A mobile device106, Subscriber A set-top box #1 104A and/or Subscriber A set-top box #2104B.

In another example, Subscriber B may register (e.g., via a graphicaluser interface) Subscriber A set-top box #1 104A and/or Subscriber Aset-top box #2 104B with service provider server 102. Such registrationmay comprise, for example, storage of identification informationassociated with Subscriber A set-top box #1 104A (e.g., Subscriber A'sname, Subscriber A's account number with the service provider, a serialnumber of Subscriber A set-top box #1 104A) and/or identificationinformation associated with Subscriber A set-top box #2 104B (e.g.,Subscriber A's name, Subscriber A's account number with the serviceprovider, a serial number of Subscriber A set-top box #2 104B). Theidentification information may be stored in one or more databases (notshown) accessible by service provider server 102. The identificationinformation may be stored in one or more user profiles (not shown)accessible by service provider server 102. The identificationinformation may cause service provider server 102 to associateSubscriber A set-top box #1 104A and/or Subscriber A set-top box #2 104Bwith Subscriber B set-top box 104C.

In another example, Subscriber B may register (e.g., via a graphicaluser interface) Subscriber A mobile device 106 with service providerserver 102. Such registration may comprise, for example, storage ofidentification information associated with Subscriber A mobile device106 (e.g., telephone number, account number, serial number). Theidentification information may be stored in one or more databases (notshown) accessible by service provider server 102. The identificationinformation may be stored in one or more user profiles (not shown)accessible by service provider server 102. The identificationinformation may cause service provider server 102 to associateSubscriber A mobile device 106 with Subscriber B set-top box 104C,Subscriber A set-top box #1 104A, and/or Subscriber A set-top box #2104B.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, Subscriber A (not shown) may use a mobiledevice (e.g., Subscriber A mobile device 106) to perform variousregistration functions (e.g., to perform any of the registrationfunctions described herein). Such registration functions may be carriedout, for example, via a graphical user interface presented by the mobiledevice on a display thereof.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, each of service provider server 102,Subscriber A set-top box #1 104A, Subscriber A set-top box #2 104B,Subscriber B set-top box 104C, Subscriber A mobile device 106 and/orsocial network server 108 may be used as described herein to enablevarious media content steaming, downloading and/or recording. Forexample, Subscriber A may utilize Subscriber A set-top box #1 104A(e.g., in connection with service provider server 102) to directrecording (e.g., at Subscriber A set-top box #1 104A) of an advertisedmedia content. In another example, Subscriber A may utilize Subscriber Amobile device 106 (e.g., in connection with service provider server 102)to direct recording (e.g., at a selected one of Subscriber A set-top box#1 104A or Subscriber B set-top box #2 104B) of an advertised mediacontent. In another example, Subscriber A may utilize Subscriber Aset-top box #1 104A (e.g., in connection with service provider server102) to direct recording (e.g., at Subscriber A set-top box #1 104A) ofan advertised media content, wherein recording of the same advertisedmedia content is also directed (e.g., by service provider server 102) atSubscriber B set-top box 104C.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, this FIG. depicts an illustrative embodimentof a system 150 for providing access (e.g., streaming access and/ordownloadable access) to media content. As seen, master server 152 is inbidirectional communication (through the network) with media contentserver 154A, media content server 154B and media content server 154C.While three media content servers are shown in this example, any desirednumber of media content servers may be used. Master server 152 may causeor direct any of media content servers 154A, 154B and/or 154C to providemedia content (e.g., provide media content to Subscriber A set-top box#1 104A and/or Subscriber B set-top box #2 104C.

FIG. 2A depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used by system100 of FIG. 1A and/or system 150 of FIG. 1B. While for purposes ofsimplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown anddescribed as a series of blocks in FIG. 2A, it is to be understood andappreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the orderof the blocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders and/orconcurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and describedherein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required toimplement the methods described herein.

Still referring to FIG. 2A, method 200 begins at step 202 withpresenting a first media content item including an advertisement for asecond media content item, resulting in a presentation. In one example,the presentation is provided via a display (e.g., a television). Inanother example, the display is in operative communication with aset-top box of the user (see, e.g., Subscriber A set-top box #1 104A).In another example, the set-top box may receive the presentation (e.g.,in the form of the first media content along with the advertisement)from a service provider server (see, e.g., service provider server 102)and/or from a media server (see, e.g., media content servers 154A-154C).

Method 200 then continues to step 204 with receiving, during thepresentation, a recording instruction. In one example, the recordinginstruction is provided from the user via input to a remote controldevice by the user. In another example, the remote control deviceprovides the recording instruction to the set-top box (e.g., the set-topbox via which the presentation is made).

Method 200 then continues to step 206 with presenting a query. In oneexample, the query is presented responsive to receiving the recordinginstruction during presentation of the advertisement. In anotherexample, the query provides a choice of: (a) recording the first mediacontent item; or (b) recording the second media content item. In anotherexample, the query is provided to the user via a graphical userinterface shown on the display (e.g., the display in operativecommunication with the set-top box of the user).

Method 200 then continues to step 208 with receiving a response to thequery. In one example, the response includes either a first command torecord the first media content item or a second command to record thesecond media content item (that is, the media content advertised duringthe presentation). In one example, the response is provided from theuser via the graphical user interface shown on the display. In anotherexample, the response is provided from the user via input to the remotecontrol device by the user. In another example, the remote controldevice provides the response to the set-top box.

In one example, following step 208, one or more of the following stepsmay then be performed: (a) making a current recording of the first mediacontent item (in a case that the response included the first command torecord the first media content item); (b) making a current recording ofthe second media content item (in a case that the response included thesecond command to record the second media content item); (c) schedulinga future recording of the first media content item (in a case that theresponse included the first command to record the first media contentitem); and/or (d) scheduling a future recording of the second mediacontent item (in a case that the response included the second command torecord the second media content item). In one specific example, theresponse may include an indication of: (a) whether the recording shouldbe made essentially immediately (that is, a current recording); and/or(b) whether the recording should be a future recording (that is, arecording scheduled for a future time).

FIG. 2B depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used by system100 of FIG. 1A and/or system 150 of FIG. 1B. While for purposes ofsimplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown anddescribed as a series of blocks in FIG. 2B, it is to be understood andappreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the orderof the blocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders and/orconcurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and describedherein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required toimplement the methods described herein.

Still referring to FIG. 2B, method 230 begins at step 232 with sending,to a first media processing device at a first location (e.g., a firstpremises), a first media content item for output to a display that is inoperative communication with the first media processing device. In oneexample, the output results in a presentation. In another example, thefirst media content item includes an advertisement for a second mediacontent item. In another example, the first media processing device isassociated with a first subscriber to a service (e.g. a media service).In another example, the first media processing device is a set-top box(see, e.g., subscriber B set-top box 104C). In another example, thedisplay is a television. In another example, the first media processingdevice may receive the presentation (e.g., in the form of the firstmedia content item along with the advertisement) from a service providerserver (see, e.g., service provider server 102) and/or from a mediaserver (see, e.g., media content servers 154A-154C).

Method 230 then continues to step 234 with receiving from an end userdevice at the first location (see, e.g., subscriber A mobile device106), during the presentation, a recording command In one example, therecording command includes either a first instruction (a firstinstruction from the end user device) to record the first media contentitem or a second instruction (a second instruction from the end userdevice) to record the second media content item. In another example, therecording command further includes an identification of a selectedrecording device (see, e.g., subscriber A set-top box #1 104A) at whichrecording is to occur. In another example, the end user device and theselected recording device are associated with a second subscriber to theservice (wherein the first subscriber is distinct from the secondsubscriber). In another example, the recording command is provided fromthe end user device in response to input (by the second subscriber) to agraphical user interface of the end user device. In another example, theend user device provides the recording command to a service providerserver (see, e.g., service provider server 102). In another example, theselected recording device is at a second location (e.g., a premises)different from the first location.

Method 230 then continues to step 236 (in a case that the recordingcommand included the first instruction to record the first media contentitem) with sending a first recording instruction to the selectedrecording device to cause the selected recording device to record thefirst media content item. In one example, the first recordinginstruction is sent by the service provider server to the selectedrecording device.

In the alternative, method 230 continues to step 238 (in a case that therecording command included the second instruction to record the secondmedia content item) with sending a second recording instruction to theselected recording device to cause the selected recording device torecord the second media content item. In one example, the secondrecording instruction is sent by the service provider server to theselected recording device.

In one example, following step 236 or step 238, one or more of thefollowing steps may then be performed: (a) making a current recording ofthe first media content item (in a case that the recording commandincluded the first instruction to record the first media content item);(b) making a current recording of the second media content item (in acase that the recording command included the second instruction torecord the second media content item); (c) scheduling a future recordingof the first media content item (in a case that the recording commandincluded the first instruction to record the first media content item);and/or (d) scheduling a future recording of the second media contentitem (in a case that the recording command included the secondinstruction to record the second media content item). In one specificexample, the recording command may include an indication of: (a) whetherthe recording should be made essentially immediately (that is, a currentrecording); and/or (b) whether the recording should be a futurerecording (that is, a recording scheduled for a future time).

In another example, after receiving the recording command, adetermination can be made as to whether the recording command hadincluded the first instruction or the second instruction. Then, thesending of the first recording instruction or the sending of the secondrecording instruction can be performed responsive to such determination.

In another embodiment, the set-top box presenting the advertisement(see, e.g., subscriber B set-top box 104C) communicates with theselected recording device (e.g. subscriber A set-top box #1 104A and/orits associated digital video recorder) to coordinate the recording bysubscriber A set-top box #1 104A and/or its associated digital videorecorder.

FIG. 2C depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used by system100 of FIG. 1A and/or system 150 of FIG. 1B. While for purposes ofsimplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown anddescribed as a series of blocks in FIG. 2C, it is to be understood andappreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the orderof the blocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders and/orconcurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and describedherein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required toimplement the methods described herein.

Still referring to FIG. 2C, method 270 begins at step 272 with obtainingsocial network information associated with a first user. In one example,the social network information may be obtained from a social networkserver (see, e.g., social network server 108). In another example, thesocial network information may be obtained from a social network serverby a service provider server (see, e.g., service provider server 102).In another example, the social network information may be obtained froma social network server in response to a request (e.g., from the serviceprovider server). In another example, the social network information maycomprise information identifying a second user who is related to thefirst user (e.g., related in the social network as a family member, afriend, or another type of relationship).

Method 270 then continues to step 274 with determining that the firstuser had selected recording of a second media content item that had beenadvertised during a presentation of a first media content item. In oneexample, the first user had made the selection during a presentation(e.g., on a display device such as a television) of the first mediacontent item by a first media processing device of the first user (see,e.g., subscriber A set-set top box #1 104A). In another example, aservice provider server (see, e.g., service provider server 102)determines that the first user had selected recording of the secondmedia content item that had been advertised during the presentation ofthe first media content item.

Method 270 then continues to step 276 with directing a second mediaprocessing device (see, e.g., subscriber B set-top box 104C) of thesecond user to record the second media content item. In one example, thedirecting the second media processing device to record the second mediacontent item is responsive to the determining that the first user hadselected recording of the second media content item. In another example,a service provider server (see, e.g., service provider server 102)directs the second media processing device to record the second mediacontent item (e.g., responsive to the service provider serverdetermining that the first user had selected recording of the secondmedia content).

In one example, following step 276, one or more of the following stepsmay then be performed: (a) making a current recording of the secondmedia content item; or (b) scheduling a future recording of the secondmedia content item. In one specific example, the directing of therecording may include an indication of: (a) whether the recording shouldbe made essentially immediately (that is, a current recording); and/or(b) whether the recording should be a future recording (that is, arecording scheduled for a future time).

In another embodiment, the directing by the processing system(responsive to the determining that the first user had selectedrecording of the second media content item) the second media processingdevice of the second user to record the second media content item may beautomatically directing.

In another embodiment, the directing by the processing system(responsive to the determining that the first user had selectedrecording of the second media content item) the second media processingdevice of the second user to record the second media content item may beperformed without user interaction (e.g., without interaction of thefirst user and without interaction of the second user).

In another embodiment, the method may further comprise: responsive tothe determining that the first user had selected recording of the secondmedia content item, requesting by the processing system (e.g.,automatically requesting) a recording confirmation; receiving by theprocessing system the recording confirmation; and responsive to thereceiving the recording conformation, directing by the processing systemthe second media processing device of the second user to record thesecond media content item. In one example, the requesting may compriserequesting from the first user (such as requesting via a first userdevice) and/or requesting from the second user (such as requesting via asecond user device). In another example, the receiving may comprisereceiving from the first user (such as receiving via a first userdevice) and/or receiving from the second user (such as receiving via asecond user device).

FIG. 3A depicts an example of a presentation timeline. In this example,a presentation (including a first media content item and anadvertisement for a second media content item) begins at point 1 andends at point 4. The first media content item includes segment A(between points 1 and 2) and segment C (between points 3 and 4). Thepresentation further includes an advertisement (for the second mediacontent item) at segment B (between points 2 and 3).

In one embodiment, a query (as to whether a user wishes to record thefirst media content item or the advertised second media content item)may be presented during segment B. In this embodiment, after the end ofsegment B at point 3 the query would no longer be presented and arecording command from the user would directly result in making acurrent recording of the first media content item and/or scheduling afuture recording of the first media content item.

In another embodiment, a query (as to whether a user wishes to recordthe first media content item or the advertised second media contentitem) may be presented during segments B+C (that is, at any time afterthe beginning of the advertisement at point 2 to the end of thepresentation at point 4).

In another embodiment, a query (as to whether a user wishes to recordthe first media content item or the advertised second media contentitem) may be presented during segments B+D (that is, at any time afterthe beginning of the advertisement at point 2 to the beginning of athreshold time at point T). In this embodiment, after the end of segmentD at point T the query would no longer be presented and a recordingcommand from the user would directly result in making a currentrecording of the first media content item and/or scheduling a futurerecording of the first media content item. In one example, the span oftime between the end of the advertisement at point 3 to the thresholdpoint T may be set by the user (e.g., set by the user and stored in aprofile). In another example, the span of time between the end of theadvertisement at point 3 to the threshold point T may be a default setby the service provider (e.g., via the service provider server).

FIG. 3B depicts an illustrative embodiment of a graphical user interface350. In one example, the graphical user interface may be presented on adisplay (e.g., a television) in operative communication with a set-topbox (see, e.g., subscriber A set-top box #1 104A). The graphical userinterface 350 may include query screen 352, upon which a query (such asdescribed herein) is presented. As seen, query screen 352 is asking (inthis example) whether the user wants to record the media contentcurrently being presented (shown here as “Movie AAA”) or whether theuser wants to record the media content being advertised (shown here as“Episode 18 of Television Series BBB”). A user interface element 354(e.g., a GUI button) may be actuated to record “Movie AAA” or userinterface element 356 (e.g., a GUI button) may be actuated to record“Episode 18 of Television Series BBB”). Further, user interface element358 (e.g., a GUI button) may be actuated to cancel the operation andmake no recording.

FIG. 3C depicts an illustrative embodiment of a graphical user interface370. In one example, the graphical user interface 370 may be presentedon a mobile device, such as a smartphone (see, e.g., Subscriber A mobiledevice 106 of FIG. 1A). The graphical user interface 370 may include aquery screen upon which a query (such as described herein) is presented.As seen, the example query is asking whether the user wants to recordthe media content currently being presented (shown here as “Movie CCC”)or whether the user wants to record the media content being advertised(shown here as “Movie DDD”). In one example, the media content currentlybeing presented (and the advertisement for the advertised media content)are being shown on a display in operative communication with a set-topbox of a person other than subscriber A. In one specific example, themedia content currently being presented (and the advertisement for theadvertised media content) are being shown on a display in operativecommunication with Subscriber B set-top box 104C of FIG. 1A. In anotherspecific example, the media content currently being presented (and theadvertisement for the advertised media content) are being shown on adisplay in operative communication with a set-top box at a residence ofsubscriber B. In another specific example, subscriber B may be a friend,a relative and/or a business acquaintance of subscriber A.

Still referring to FIG. 3C, a user interface element 372 (e.g., a GUIbutton) may be actuated to record “Movie CCC” or user interface element374 (e.g., a GUI button) may be actuated to record “Movie DDD”). Inanother specific example, the media content currently being presented(and the advertisement for the advertised media content) are being shownon a display in operative communication with a set-top box that hadpreviously been associated with the mobile device. In another specificexample, the association is stored in a user profile or the like.

Still referring to FIG. 3C, the query (in this example) is also askingwhether the user wants to record the selected media content on theuser's home digital video recorder (DVR) or on the user's apartmentdigital video recorder (DVR). In one specific example, the user's homedigital video recorder is in operative communication with Subscriber Aset-top box #1 104A of FIG. 1A and the user's apartment digital videorecorder is in operative communication with Subscriber A set-top box #2104B of FIG. 1A. In another specific example, the query could askwhether the user wants to record the selected media content on theuser's living room digital video recorder (DVR) or on the user's bedroomdigital video recorder (DVR).

A user interface element 376 (e.g., a GUI button) may be actuated torecord at “Home DVR” or user interface element 378 (e.g., a GUI button)may be actuated to record at “Apartment DVR”. Further, user interfaceelement 380 (e.g., a GUI button) may be actuated to cancel the operationand make no recording.

In another specific example, the list of target recording devices may bebased upon candidate devices that had previously been associated (e.g.,via registration) with the mobile device. In another specific example,the association is stored in a user profile or the like.

As described herein, various embodiments provide mechanisms for allowinga user to set a recording for a program that is being advertised in acommercial. The program being advertised may be, e.g., a movie, atelevision show, a single episode of a television series, multipleepisodes of a television series.

For example, a user is watching an episode of “Series A”. A commercialis presented for “Series B”. The user is given a graphical userinterface that provides one-touch setting of a recording command torecord “Series B” (the advertised program) when it airs.

In one embodiment, the graphical user interface may present to the usercollateral information when the user is provided with the option torecord “Series B”. The collateral information may include suggestionsfor other programing (“you might like . . . ”), and/or data indicatinghow many other people matching the user's demographics have recorded“Series B”.

In another embodiment, a commercial may be “pushed” to people in asocial network (e.g., social media network) of the user. For example, inresponse to the user electing to make a recording of “Series B” basedupon a commercial for “Series B” airing during “Series A,” thatcommercial (for “Series B”) may then be provided to people in a socialnetwork of the user (in one example, the commercial may be provided tothe people in the social network of the user when they are watchingtelevision at another time).

In another example, in response to the user electing to make a recordingof “Series B” based upon a commercial for “Series B” airing during“Series A,” an automatic scheduling for recording “Series B” for peoplein the social network of the user may occur.

In another example, behavioral profile(s) may be obtained for the userand/or for people in the social network of the user. In this example, inresponse to the user electing to make a recording of “Series B” basedupon a commercial for “Series B” airing during “Series A,” an automaticscheduling for recording “Series B” for people in the social network ofthe user may occur for those people whose behavioral profile(s) indicatethat they would enjoy watching “Series B”.

In one embodiment, the service provider may provide (such as via one ormore servers) the presentation (including the program being watched andthe advertisement), wherein the service provider thus has knowledge ofwhat program is being advertised at any given time.

In one example, a presentation may include a program being watched alongwith multiple different advertisements (e.g., for multiple differentprograms).

In another embodiment, a program being advertised may be determined frommetadata (e.g., in the advertisement) and/or from an analysis of theadvertisement (e.g., audio and/or image analysis).

In another embodiment, a query can be pushed to a user during anadvertisement (that is, sent to the user without prompting by the user).

In another embodiment, recorded data (e.g., recorded media content) maybe stored on the cloud (e.g., by the service provider server and/or oneor more other servers).

In another embodiment, user input may be provided via voice commands

In another embodiment, one or more viewing recommendations (e.g., foradvertised programs) may be pushed to one or more social networkfriends, family members, work acquaintances, etc. (e.g., pushed topeople in the social network who have the same likes and/or dislikes).

In another embodiment, future scheduling for a program may be configuredso that a given program is viewed and/or recorded by multiple people(e.g. people related in a social network) at substantially the sametime.

In another embodiment, a query that is presented to a user may includeinformation to aid the user in making a decision. For example, the querymay include regional demographic information. In one specific example,the regional demographic information may be obtained by the serviceprovider. In another specific example, the regional demographicinformation may indicate how many other people in the same age group asthe user have recorded the advertised program (e.g., “this number ofteenagers in your high school have recoded this program”).

In another embodiment, one or more behavioral profiles of a group ofpeople (e.g., people in a social network) may be used (e.g., by theservice provider server) to automatically record a particular advertisedprogram.

As described herein are mechanisms to enable setting a recording from acommercial. Various embodiments allow a user to set one or morerecordings for a program (e.g., show/movie/sporting event/concert) froma commercial that is being aired on a channel. In one example, the userdoes not need to search for the program in his or her guide (e.g.,electronic program guide) in order to set the recording. Rather, thedisclosed mechanisms may allow the user to set (e.g., one-touch set)recordings of content shown in a commercial playing on, for example, aset-top box (STB) or mobile device of the user. Thus, in variousembodiments, the user no longer has to remember or search for theprograms that they have seen in commercials (instead, the user may, forexample, simply press a button while the commercial is playing, and theassociated recording is set up).

As described herein, in various embodiments there is an increase in theease of setting recordings of programs that are advertised. Suchembodiments may thus leverage certain impulsive buying/recordingcharacteristics of the user.

As described herein, in various embodiments if the user presses therecord button during a commercial for content, the user will be promptedto select which program they are requesting to record (the currentlyairing program, or the program associated with the commercial). In oneexample, once that selection is made, the user would continue throughthe normal set recording flow

As described herein, in various embodiments the service provider knowswhat commercial a user is viewing when the record button is pressed. Inone specific example, the service provider may know this because theservice provider may be the entity that inserts the commercial into thecurrently viewed program. In another specific example, the serviceprovider may know this because the currently viewed program is a videoon demand program.

As described herein, in various embodiments mechanisms for enabling thefollowing example process may be provided: (1) The user is watching alive channel and there is a commercial of a new TV series or a moviethat the user wishes to record; (2) The user actuates the record buttonwhile the commercial is being aired; (3) The set-top box (STB) softwarechecks its tuner feed for the channel to understand if the user actuatedthe record button when the commercial was being aired or not. The STBprompts the user to confirm if the user wishes to record the ongoingprogram or the program from the commercial; (4) If the user actuated therecord button during the commercial, the STB software checks when wouldthe requested program be aired (e.g., within a specified timeframe suchas within the next 7 days, the next 14 days, or the next 30 days) andthen sets the recording for the program and notifies the user; (5) Ifthe requested program is not available (e.g., not available during thespecified timeframe), the STB software looks for this content in a videoon demand (VOD) database and checks with the user if the user wishes topurchase a VOD for the requested program (if the user wishes, thepurchase may then be made); and/or (6) If the user had actuated therecord button for an ongoing program and not a commercial then therecording is set for the ongoing program.

In another example, the mobile device may communicate with the serviceprovider server and/or one or more set-top boxes to implement thetechniques described herein.

In another example, the mobile device may communicate with the serviceprovider server via a network connection. In another example, the mobiledevice may communicate with a set-top box via a short-rangecommunication mechanism. In another example, a set-top box maycommunicate with the service provider server via a network connection.In another example, a first set-top box may communicate with a secondset-top box via a network connection. In another example, a firstset-top box may communicate with a second set-top box via a networkconnection using the service provider server as an intermediary.

In another example, a mobile device may direct a first set-top box tocoordinate with a second set-top box to cause a recording by the secondset-top box (e.g., a recording by the second set-top box using a digitalvideo recorder associated therewith).

In another example, a digital video recorder used as described hereinmay be a local digital video recorder (e.g., serving one set-top boxand/or one display) and/or a networked digital video recorder (e.g.,serving a plurality of set-top boxes and/or a plurality of displays).

In another example, the set-top box (e.g., the set-top box via which thecurrent program is being shown) determines which program is beingadvertised in the commercial (e.g., by identifying the commercial from adatabase of commercials).

In another example, when the user is presented with a query as to whichprogram to record, the user may also be presented with an option torecord the selected program in standard definition (SD) or in highdefinition (HD). A recording in the selected format (e.g., SD or HD)would then be made as described herein.

In another example (in a case that the advertised program is an episodeof a series), when the user is presented with a query as to whichprogram to record, the user may also be presented with an option torecord the single episode of the advertisement or to record one or moreepisodes of the series (e.g., all episodes in the current season, allepisodes in the entire series, a certain number of previous episodes inthe current season, a certain number of previous episodes in the entireseries, a certain number of future episodes in the current season, acertain number of future episodes in the entire series, all episodesfrom the beginning of the current season up until the current episode,all episodes from the beginning of the entire series up until thecurrent episode, all episodes from the current episode up until the endof the current season, and/or all episodes from the current episode upuntil the end of the entire series).

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 400for providing various communication services, such as recording mediacontent (e.g., advertised media content). The communication system 400can represent an interactive media network, such as an interactivetelevision system (e.g., an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) mediasystem). Communication system 400 can be overlaid or operably coupledwith system 100 of FIG. 1A and/or system 150 of FIG. 1B as anotherrepresentative embodiment of communication system 400. For instance, oneor more devices illustrated in the communication system 400 of FIG. 4can function as the service provider server, the master server and/orthe media content server(s) for recording media content (e.g.,advertised media content). In another example, one or more devicesillustrated in the communication system 400 of FIG. 4 can function asone or more set-top boxes (and/or one or more associated digital videorecorders). In another example, one or more devices illustrated in thecommunication system 400 of FIG. 4 can function as one or more socialnetwork server(s).

In one or more embodiments, the communication system 400 can include asuper head-end office (SHO) 410 with at least one super headend officeserver (SHS) 411 which receives media content from satellite and/orterrestrial communication systems. In the present context, media contentcan represent, for example, audio content, moving image content such as2D or 3D videos, video games, virtual reality content, still imagecontent, and combinations thereof. The SHS server 411 can forwardpackets associated with the media content to one or more video head-endservers (VHS) 414 via a network of video head-end offices (VHO) 412according to a multicast communication protocol. The VHS 414 candistribute multimedia broadcast content via an access network 418 tocommercial and/or residential buildings 402 housing a gateway 404 (suchas a residential or commercial gateway).

The access network 418 can represent a group of digital subscriber lineaccess multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a servicearea interface that provide broadband services over fiber optical linksor copper twisted pairs 419 to buildings 402. The gateway 404 can usecommunication technology to distribute broadcast signals to mediaprocessors 406 such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn presentbroadcast channels to media devices 408 such as computers or televisionsets managed in some instances by a media controller 407 (such as aninfrared or RF remote controller).

The gateway 404, the media processors 406, and media devices 408 canutilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerlineor phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocolsuch as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, or other presentor next generation local or personal area wireless network technologies.By way of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invokedbetween the media processors 406 and subsystems of the IPTV media systemfor services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronicprogramming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

A satellite broadcast television system 429 can be used in the mediasystem of FIG. 4. The satellite broadcast television system can beoverlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system as anotherrepresentative embodiment of communication system 400. In thisembodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 415 that include mediacontent can be received by a satellite dish receiver 431 coupled to thebuilding 402. Modulated signals received by the satellite dish receiver431 can be transferred to the media processors 406 for demodulating,decoding, encoding, and/or distributing broadcast channels to the mediadevices 408. The media processors 406 can be equipped with a broadbandport to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 432 to enableinteractive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable broadcastdistribution system such as cable TV system 433 can be overlaid,operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or the satelliteTV system as another representative embodiment of communication system400. In this embodiment, the cable TV system 433 can also provideInternet, telephony, and interactive media services. System 400 enablesvarious types of interactive television and/or services including IPTV,cable and/or satellite.

The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next generationover-the-air and/or landline media content services system.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled toone or more computing devices 430, a portion of which can operate as aweb server for providing web portal services over the ISP network 432 towireline media devices 408 or wireless communication devices 416. Such aweb server can operate as and/or provide the functions of serviceprovider server 102 of FIG. 1A and/or social network server 108 of FIG.1A. Further, such a web server can operate as and/or provide thefunctions of master server 152 of FIG. 1B and/or one or more of mediacontent servers 154A, 154B and/or 154C of FIG. 1B.

Communication system 400 can also provide for all or a portion of thecomputing devices 430 to function as a service provider server (hereinreferred to as service provider server 430). The service provider server430 can use computing and communication technology to perform function462, which can include among other things, the media content recordingtechniques described by method 200 of FIG. 2A, method 230 of FIG. 2Band/or method 270 of FIG. 2C. For instance, function 462 of server 430can be similar to the functions described for servers 102, 108, 152,154A, 154B and/or 154C of FIGS. 1A and 1B in accordance with methods200, 230 and/or 270. The media processors 406 and wireless communicationdevices 416 can be provisioned with software functions 464 and 466,respectively, to utilize the services of service provider server 430.For instance, functions 464 and 466 of media processors 406 and wirelesscommunication devices 416 can be similar to the functions described forthe communication devices 104A, 104B, 104C of FIG. 1A in accordance withmethod 200, method 230 and/or method 270.

Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media devices overlandline technologies such as those described above. Additionally, mediaservices can be offered to media devices by way of a wireless accessbase station 417 operating according to common wireless access protocolssuch as Global System for Mobile or GSM, Code Division Multiple Accessor CDMA, Time Division Multiple Access or TDMA, Universal MobileTelecommunications or UMTS, World interoperability for Microwave orWiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and soon. Other present and next generation wide area wireless access networktechnologies can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device 500.Communication device 500 can serve in whole or in part as anillustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B and/or 4and can be configured to perform portions of (or all of) method 200 ofFIG. 2A, method 230 of FIG. 2B and/or method 270 of FIG. 2C.

Communication device 500 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 502 (herein transceiver 502), a user interface (UI) 504, apower supply 514, a location receiver 516, a motion sensor 518, anorientation sensor 520, and a controller 506 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 502 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 502 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 504 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 508 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device500. The keypad 508 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 500 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 508 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 504 can further include a display510 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 500. In anembodiment where the display 510 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 508 can be presented by way of the display 510 withnavigation features.

The display 510 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 500 can be adapted to present a user interface withgraphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by a userwith a touch of a finger. The touch screen display 510 can be equippedwith capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology todetect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on aportion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can beused to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functionsof the user interface. The display 510 can be an integral part of thehousing assembly of the communication device 500 or an independentdevice communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 504 can also include an audio system 512 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 512 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 512 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI504 can further include an image sensor 513 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 514 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 500 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 516 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 500 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 518can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 500 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 520 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device500 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 500 can use the transceiver 502 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 506 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 500.

Other components not shown in FIG. 5 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 500 can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button canbe used to reset the controller 506 of the communication device 500. Inyet another embodiment, the communication device 500 can also include afactory default setting button positioned, for example, below a smallhole in a housing assembly of the communication device 500 to force thecommunication device 500 to re-establish factory settings. In thisembodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paperclip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default setting button.The communication device 500 can also include a slot for adding orremoving an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber services,executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so forth.

The communication device 500 as described herein can operate with moreor less of the circuit components shown in FIG. 5. These variantembodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

The communication device 500 can be adapted to perform the functions ofdevices of FIGS. 1A and/or 1B, the media processor 406, the mediadevices 408, or the portable communication devices 416 of FIG. 4. Itwill be appreciated that the communication device 500 can also representother devices that can operate in systems of FIGS. 1A and/or 1B, and/orcommunication system 400 of FIG. 4 such as a gaming console and a mediaplayer. In addition, the controller 506 can be adapted in variousembodiments to perform the functions 462-466.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of theclaims described below. For example, any desired number of media contentservers may communicate with any desired number of set-top boxes. Otherembodiments can be used in the subject disclosure.

It should be understood that devices described in the exemplaryembodiments can be in communication with each other via various wirelessand/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that aredescribed as coupled, connected and so forth, which can includeunidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless pathsand/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols ormethodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g.,no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediaryprocessing device such as a router).

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 600 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as the service provider server 430 and/or themedia processor 406. One or more instances of the machine can operate,for example, as the service provider server 102, the social networkserver 108, the set-top box 104A, the set-top box 104B, and/or theset-top box 104C of FIG. 1A. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as the master server 152, the media content server154A, the media content server 154B and/or the media content server 152Cof FIG. 1B.

In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network626) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine mayoperate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in aserver-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in apeer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

The computer system 600 may include a processor (or controller) 602(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit(GPU, or both), a main memory 604 and a static memory 606, whichcommunicate with each other via a bus 608. The computer system 600 mayfurther include a display unit 610 (e.g., a liquid crystal display(LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system 600may include an input device 612 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 614 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 616, a signal generationdevice 618 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interfacedevice 620. In distributed environments, the embodiments described inthe subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units610 controlled by two or more computer systems 600. In thisconfiguration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may inpart be shown in a first of the display units 610, while the remainingportion is presented in a second of the display units 610.

The disk drive unit 616 may include a tangible computer-readable storagemedium 622 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software 624) embodying any one or more of the methods or functionsdescribed herein, including those methods illustrated above. Theinstructions 624 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 604, the static memory 606, and/or within theprocessor 602 during execution thereof by the computer system 600. Themain memory 604 and the processor 602 also may constitute tangiblecomputer-readable storage media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits andprogrammable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executingstate machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments ofthe subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus andsystems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronicand computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two ormore specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with relatedcontrol and data signals communicated between and through the modules,or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, theexample system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, theoperations or methods described herein are intended for operation assoftware programs or instructions running on or executed by a computerprocessor or other computing device, and which may include other formsof instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logiccomponents in an application specific integrated circuit or fieldprogrammable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g.,software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to,distributed processing or component/object distributed processing,parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also beconstructed to implement the methods described herein. Distributedprocessing environments can include multiple processors in a singlemachine, single processors in multiple machines, and/or multipleprocessors in multiple machines. It is further noted that a computingdevice such as a processor, a controller, a state machine or othersuitable device for executing instructions to perform operations ormethods may perform such operations directly or indirectly by way of oneor more intermediate devices directed by the computing device.

While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 622 is shown in anexample embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangiblecomputer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a singlemedium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database,and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets ofinstructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable ofstoring or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods ofthe subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives,devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.

The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordinglybe taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such asa memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only(non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable(volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a diskor tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more ofa tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-timesuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g.,RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®), andlong-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used bycomputer system 600. In one or more embodiments, information regardinguse of services can be generated including services being accessed,media consumption history, user preferences, and so forth. Thisinformation can be obtained by various methods including user input,detecting types of communications (e.g., video content vs. audiocontent), analysis of content streams, and so forth. The generating,obtaining and/or monitoring of this information can be responsive to anauthorization provided by the user. In one or more embodiments, ananalysis of data can be subject to authorization from user(s) associatedwith the data, such as an opt-in, an opt-out, acknowledgementrequirements, notifications, selective authorization based on types ofdata, and so forth.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Theexemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or stepsfrom multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derivedtherefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figuresare also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certainproportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimizedAccordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to theexemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more ofthe exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms todescribe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second,third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or functionunless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, thirdand so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components,steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, oneor more devices or components described with respect to the exemplaryembodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating(e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection)can include less than every step needed to perform the function or caninclude all of the steps needed to perform the function.

In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controlleror circuit) has been described that performs various functions. Itshould be understood that the processor can be multiple processors,which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in asingle machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used insupporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processingenvironment may support one or more virtual machines representingcomputers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtualmachines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may bevirtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a statemachine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmablegate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when aprocessor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this caninclude the processor performing the operations directly and/orfacilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or componentto perform the operations.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can beseen that various features are grouped together in a single embodimentfor the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method ofdisclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that theclaimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subjectmatter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimedsubject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-transitory, machine-readable mediumcomprising executable instructions that, when executed by a systemincluding a processor, perform operations comprising: sending, to afirst media processing device at a first location, a first media contentitem for output to a display that is in operative communication with thefirst media processing device, wherein the output results in apresentation, wherein the first media content item includes anadvertisement for a second media content item, and wherein the firstmedia processing device is associated with a first subscriber to aservice; receiving from an end user device at the first location, duringthe presentation, a recording command, wherein the recording commandincludes either a first instruction to record the first media contentitem or a second instruction to record the second media content item,wherein the recording command further includes an identification of aselected recording device at which recording is to occur, wherein theend user device and the selected recording device are associated with asecond subscriber to the service, and wherein the selected recordingdevice is at a second location, different from the first location;sending, responsive to receiving the first instruction, a firstrecording instruction to the selected recording device to cause theselected recording device to record the first media content item; andsending, responsive to receiving the second instruction, a secondrecording instruction to the selected recording device to cause theselected recording device to record the second media content item. 2.The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 1, wherein thefirst recording instruction to the selected recording device to causethe selected recording device to record the first media content itemcauses one of directing a current recording of the first media contentitem or directing a scheduling of a future recording of the first mediacontent item.
 3. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 2,wherein the second recording instruction to the selected recordingdevice to cause the selected recording device to record the second mediacontent item causes one of directing a current recording of the secondmedia content item or directing a scheduling of a future recording ofthe second media content item.
 4. The non-transitory, machine-readablemedium of claim 1, wherein the first media processing device comprises aset-top box, wherein the end user device comprises a mobilecommunication device, and wherein the selected recording devicecomprises a digital video recorder.
 5. The non-transitory,machine-readable medium of claim 4, wherein the mobile communicationdevice comprises a smartphone and the recording command is sent bysoftware operating on the smartphone.
 6. The non-transitory,machine-readable medium of claim 5, wherein the selected recordingdevice had been selected via a selection made at the smartphone usingthe software operating on the smartphone.
 7. The non-transitory,machine-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the selected recordingdevice comprises one of a first recording device or a second recordingdevice, wherein the first recording device is distinct from the secondrecording device, and wherein the first recording device and the secondrecording device are associated with the second subscriber.
 8. A methodcomprising: obtaining, by a processing system including a processor,social network information associated with a first user, wherein thesocial network information comprises information identifying a seconduser who is related to the first user; determining by the processingsystem that the first user had selected, during a presentation of afirst media content item by a first media processing device of the firstuser, recording of a second media content item that had been advertisedduring the presentation of the first media content item; and responsiveto the determining that the first user had selected recording of thesecond media content item, directing by the processing system a secondmedia processing device of the second user to record the second mediacontent item.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first user hadselected the recording of the second media content item in response to aquery, by the first media processing device, presented to the firstuser, wherein the query had provided a choice of one of recording thefirst media content item or recording the second media content item, andwherein the directing the second media processing device to record thesecond media content item further comprises one of directing, by theprocessing system, a current recording of the second media content itemor directing, by the processing system, a scheduling of a futurerecording of the second media content item.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein the directing the second media processing device to record thesecond media content item further comprises directing, by the processingsystem, the recording of the second media content item on a digitalvideo recorder in operative communication with the second mediaprocessing device.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the directing isperformed without user interaction.
 12. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising: responsive to the determining that the first user hadselected recording of the second media content item, requesting, by theprocessing system, a recording confirmation; receiving, by theprocessing system, the recording confirmation; and responsive to thereceiving the recording conformation, directing, by the processingsystem, the second media processing device of the second user to recordthe second media content item.
 13. A media processing device comprising:a processing system including a processor; and a memory storingexecutable instructions that, when executed by the processing system,perform operations comprising: providing, to a first media processingdevice at a first location, a first media content item for output to adisplay that is in operative communication with the first mediaprocessing device, wherein the output results in a presentation, whereinthe first media content item includes an advertisement for a secondmedia content item, and wherein the first media processing device isassociated with a first subscriber to a service; obtaining from an enduser device at the first location, during the presentation, a recordingcommand, wherein the recording command includes either a firstinstruction to record the first media content item or a secondinstruction to record the second media content item, wherein therecording command further includes an identification of a selectedrecording device at which recording is to occur, wherein the end userdevice and the selected recording device are associated with a secondsubscriber to the service, and wherein the selected recording device isat a second location, different from the first location; providing,responsive to receiving the first instruction, a first recordinginstruction to the selected recording device to cause the selectedrecording device to record the first media content item; and providing,responsive to receiving the second instruction, a second recordinginstruction to the selected recording device to cause the selectedrecording device to record the second media content item.
 14. The mediaprocessing device of claim 13, wherein the first recording instructionto the selected recording device to cause the selected recording deviceto record the first media content item causes one of directing a currentrecording of the first media content item or directing a scheduling of afuture recording of the first media content item, and wherein the secondrecording instruction to the selected recording device to cause theselected recording device to record the second media content item causesone of directing a current recording of the second media content item ordirecting a scheduling of a future recording of the second media contentitem.
 15. The media processing device of claim 14, wherein the selectedrecording device comprises a digital video recorder.
 16. The mediaprocessing device of claim 13, wherein the first media processing devicecomprises a set-top box and the end user device comprises a mobilecommunication device.
 17. The media processing device of claim 16,wherein the mobile communication device comprises a smartphone and therecording command is sent by software operating on the smartphone. 18.The media processing device of claim 17, wherein the selected recordingdevice had been selected via a selection made at the smartphone usingthe software operating on the smartphone.
 19. The media processingdevice of claim 13, wherein the selected recording device comprises oneof a first recording device or a second recording device, and whereinthe first recording device is distinct from the second recording device.20. The media processing device of claim 19, wherein the first recordingdevice and the second recording device are associated with the secondsubscriber.